Arts & Crafts

Traditional Handcrafts from the Soul of Africa.

Ilala weavers is situated at Hluhluwe within the province of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

Established some 30 years ago, with a clear vision and objective of revitalising and enhancing the age-old Zulu tradition of handcrafts, Which at the time were in danger of being lost forever.

The Centre takes the form of a museum which features unique and interesting Zulu weaving and other artifacts. In addition Ilala Weavers features a fantastic curio shop which has many woven, beadwork and carved goods for purchase.

The intricate nature of some of the pieces in particular the woven items is quite incredible and certainly worth stopping in for.

There is no fee for viewing the museum at Ilala Weavers but a donation is much appreciated.

Today, Ilala Weavers helps over 2000 Zulu people, both men and women, to attain self sufficiency, by working from their homes and therefore retaining their lifestyle and rich heritage of basket weaving and bead work which has been passed down through the generations by Zulucrafters, whose modern counterparts today produce stunning works of art, sought after the world over.

Ilala's mission statement:

"To improve the income and living standard of Zulu people through their own efforts, by developing a cottage industry, guidance as to market requirements, and marketing results products."

If you are looking for places to stay in the Hluhluwe area, try Falaza Private Game Reserve , Kosi Forest Lodge, Hluhluwe River Lodge, Avalone Guest House, Bonamanzi Game Lodge, Zululand Tree Lodge, Zulu Nyala Lodge, Tembe Lodge or Pakamisa Lodge

Situated in the spectacular Cathedral Peak area, the recently established Didima Camp is niquely styled using San art elements. The cmp provides visitors woth an opportunity toappreciate the ancient San culture from a new perspective.

One of Didima's main attractions, the San Art Interpretive centre, features areconstructed cave that accurately depicts what a typical San rock art sighting would look like. The centre also offers a selection of enthralling displays and interesting presentations.

A variety of luxurious chalets all equiped with satelite televisionare available for accomodation. Outdoor activities include a range of walks and hiking trailsas well as facilities for golf, bowling helicopter rides, horse riding, trout fishing and squash.

Great accomodation in the area include Alpine Heath, Mont Aux Source Hotel and Cathedral Peak Hotel.

The Beaufort West Craft Centre is the hub for nearly 30 crafters from surrounding areas. Quality leather items, wood crafts, beadwork, local garments, linens and many other items are available for purchase. The centre can be found at the N1 crossing, Beaufort West. Opening Hours are Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm, Sat 9-12

This multipurposed centre is found in Lainsburg on the corner of Main Street and 3rd Avenue. Disabled people in the area are encouraged to create quality cane items for sale. The selection of items is extensive from picnic baskets and laundry baskets to any kind of storage container you may need. Special orders of any size or shape are gladly taken and will be custom made to the client specifications.

Umnini Craft Village is a large complex located on both sides of the N2 Highway south of Amanzimtoti.

The village houses a number of kiosks offering traditional Zulu crafts from the area such as beadwork, woven grass items, pottery and woodwork.

The traditional crafts of the South Coast region are distinctly differnt from those of the North Coast region.

The Polokwane Art Museum houses a collection of 800 art works by renowned artists and centres around Limpopo and the rest of the country. One of the collection's many attractions is the Industrial Sculpture Park.

The city of Polokwane has more public sculptures per capita than any other town in South Africa. The Museum also showcases a variety of traditional Venda, Tsonga and Pedi crafts.

Craft pieces on a small scale are sold at the museum.

Kalk Bay is a delightful fishing village on the False Bay coast, with a protected little harbour full of brightly painted wooden boats. Go to the harbour at around 1 pm to watch the fishermen offload their catch, from whom you can buy your supper straight from the boat. The narrow main street is renowned for antique and art shops that make fascinating browsing. The well-known Brass Bell restaurant and bar is as close as you can get to the breakers without going for a swim. Boyes Drive takes you up onto the hillside for wonderful views of the harbour and in these hills lurk deep caverns and caves with a labyrinth of passages and chambers.

Southern African rock art has been dated to be as old as 28 000 years, with the age of the Cederberg paintings ranging from 8 000 years to 100 or 200 years. The paintings most commonly record animal scenes, and it is thought that particular animals such as eland, have important symbolic religious meanings.

Humans are also commonly depicted, often in procession, hunting or out gathering food. Other types of paintings show therianthropes (half-animal half-human figures) and entoptic shapes, probably of important religious meaning.